A Pentagon investigation revealed that the U.S. government used disinformation to conceal the development of stealth fighter technology, contributing to UFO conspiracy theories. This was done to protect the secrecy of the F-117 stealth fighter program at Area 51, a top-secret site in the Nevada desert.
In the 1980s, an Air Force colonel spread doctored photos of what appeared to be flying saucers to a bar near Area 51. This was part of a larger effort to mislead the public about the actual activities at the site. The aim was to make people believe the military was testing alien technology rather than developing advanced stealth aircraft.
The Pentagon's actions, including omitting key facts in a 2024 report, have fueled conspiracy theories. The House Oversight subcommittees have questioned the report's findings. The government's use of disinformation dates back to the 1950s, with officials allowing UFO myths to protect national security.
The secrecy surrounding the stealth program, a critical advantage against the Soviet Union, led to the spread of myths. The public has a right to know what the government is doing, but national security concerns often lead to classified information. The investigation involved interviews with U.S. officials, scientists, and military contractors.